Phonat opens up about why he doesn’t prioritize social media and shares his Summer Playlist.

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Music & Other Drugs got the chance to interview the 7-foot tall Italian producer, Phonat. He has become one of the most respected electronic producers in the game and has over 20K listeners on Soundcloud. Phonat shared with us his thoughts on social media and the music industry. Just in time for the summer, Phonat blessed us with a 7-track playlist, be sure to check it out after the interview. Read the full interview below:

Music and Other Drugs:Where did you derive the name Phonat from?

Phonat: When I used to do graffiti I came up with the name Phonat because I liked the letters and the sound of it.

MaOD: You were raised in Tuscany, can you tell us how the music scene is there?

Phonat: There really wasn’t one…at least not when I was a kid. Most of the clubs played popular euro trance at the time and that was it. There were a handful of places that would play some interesting house and drum n bass but they were the exceptions to the rule.

MaOD:What kind of music did you grow up listening to, and who are some of your biggest inspirations?

Phonat: So many different types of music. From 80’s Rock to house, drum n bass to hip hop and everything in between . The record that single handedly made me want to make electronic music was Homework by Daft Punk.

MaOD: How did you get into DJing and what is your favorite part about doing it?

Phonat: I started making music first and then subsequently got into performing simply because it’s become the expectation of a music producer. My favorite part about djing is the challenge of doing your thing standing in front of hundreds, sometimes thousands of people watching you. It can be scary and nerve racking sometimes so it forces you to build the necessary confidence (and a pinch of carelessness) that you can then use in your everyday life.

MaOD: With everything today being so saturated with social media, we noticed you don’t look at it is a priority. Can you tell us why and what is your stance on social media?

Phonat: I just don’t feel the need to. I know it’s a great promotional tool. I’m simply not the kind of person that likes to tell everyone what I’m doing on an hourly basis. Mostly because I don’t think I’m that interesting.

MaOD: What is your take on the current state of the music industry?

Phonat: It’s definitely heavily saturated, but the reason is because there has never been a better time to make music. Everything you need to compose and promote is affordable and accessible. The very basis for meritocracy and democracy!

MaOD: Can you tell us about your new single “Because Of You” and what inspired it?

Phonat: I met Iago here in LA and i loved his voice instantly. I thought it would suit a classic UK house inspired record so we got in the studio and messed around and had fun until we found the right idea

MaOD:Who is someone you want to collaborate with that you haven’t yet?

Phonat: I’d love to work with Oliver and Pomrad!

MaOD:How does Phonat define success?

Phonat: Success is when you are able to go past what you perceive to be your limit and push yourself out of your comfort zone and you’re able to gain some kind of out of the ordinary experiences and lessons.